Alexander-Arnold Suggested Retirement From England National Team While Still Holding Gareth Southgate

JAKARTA - Former Aston Villa player, Gabby Agbonlahor, suggested Trent Alexander-Arnold should decide to retire from the England national team. At least until the manager, Gareth Southgate, stepped down.

The suggestion was conveyed by Agbonlahor following Southgate's comments that the quality of Alexander-Arnold as a right-back was still under Kieran Trippier. Agbonlahor considered the comments as an insult to the Liverpool defender.

"If I were Trent (Alexander Arnold), I would retire from international duty if I wasn't in the World Cup squad. I will retire until the new manager takes over England 100 percent," Agbonlahor was quoted as saying by TalkSport.

Alexander-Arnold was part of Gareth Southgate's squad during this week's international break. However, he did not get the chance to play against Italy and Germany.

When they lost 0-1 to Italy and drew 3-3 with Germany, Trippier also didn't actually get playing minutes. However, the Newcastle United defender has entered the reserves twice, compared to Alexander-Arnold's only once.

In those two games, Southgate chose Kyle Walker and Reece James to support the right side of the defense. Therefore, Alexander-Arnold is in a threatened position ahead of the 2022 Qatar World Cup in November.

"What's the point of going to this international break? You can stay with your club, rest, and prepare for Liverpool," said Agbonlahor.

"I do like Trippier, but Trent is the better player overall. Walker and James are better than Trent, but don't say Trippier," he added.

Southgate's decision not to give Alexander-Arnold minutes to play came as a surprise to many. However, the coach said the decision had been communicated with all the players.